2026 Oscar Nominations Unveil Historic Achievements and Surprising Omissions
The 2026 Oscar nominations were announced on Thursday morning by actors Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman, revealing a mix of expected contenders and startling surprises. While several films and performances were shockingly absent from the list, a few unexpected nominations emerged, capturing the attention of the film industry and audiences alike.
'Sinners' Makes Oscars History with Record-Breaking Nominations
The biggest news from the nominations is the historic achievement of "Sinners", which broke the record for the most nominations for a single film in Oscar history. The film received an impressive 16 nominations, including major categories such as Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress. This remarkable feat underscores the film's critical acclaim and widespread recognition within the industry.
Surprise Nominations and Notable Snubs Highlight the Announcements
Among the surprises, Delroy Lindo earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Sinners", a pleasant development given his previous exclusion from major awards this season. In contrast, Ariana Grande, who starred in "Wicked: For Good", surprisingly did not receive a nomination for her performance in the film adaptation, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the awards process.
Culture reporter Njera Perkins and senior editor Erin E. Evans discussed the key moments from the nominations, focusing on who was snubbed and who unexpectedly secured a nomination.
Delroy Lindo's Long-Awaited Recognition
Njera Perkins expressed delight at Delroy Lindo's nomination for Best Supporting Actor, noting that his performance as Delta Slim, a drunken bluesman, has resonated deeply since the film's release last year. Perkins highlighted Lindo's ability to capture nuanced emotions, from his memorable train station scene to his semi-improvised car monologue, describing it as an enthralling supporting turn. After 50 years in Hollywood and widespread audience praise, this nomination marks a significant recognition of Lindo's talent by Academy voters.
Reflecting on Lindo's perspective, Perkins recalled his statement from an interview about award snubs: "There is a distinct difference between whether one is officially recognized with an award or not, compared to how the work impacts audiences and how it impacts other human beings."
Adam Sandler's Overlooked Performance
In another segment, Perkins pointed out the snub of Adam Sandler for Best Supporting Actor in "Jay Kelly". While Perkins did not particularly care for the film, she acknowledged that Sandler's heartfelt performance made it more tolerable and was, in her opinion, superior to George Clooney's work. Although not entirely shocked by the omission, given Sandler's rare dramatic turn, Perkins noted that it stands out as a notable oversight by the Academy.
Wunmi Mosaku's Career-First Oscar Nomination
Perkins also celebrated the surprise nomination of Wunmi Mosaku for Best Supporting Actress in "Sinners". Uncertain if Mosaku would secure a nomination despite her Gotham Award win and nominations at the Actor and Critics' Choice Awards, Perkins expressed gladness at seeing her name in the category. Mosaku's profound portrayal of Annie, a wise hoodoo healer who helps the group fight vampires, won over audiences as the heart of the film and likely contributed to her Oscar nomination.
This marks a career-first Oscar nomination for Mosaku, who has previously delivered standout roles in television projects such as "Lovecraft Country", "Loki", and "We Own This City". Perkins emphasized that this recognition is well-deserved, especially for a role that Mosaku said personally transformed her.
The Full List of Nominations
Kelby Vera provided the complete list of the 2026 Oscar nominations, detailing all categories and nominees. This comprehensive overview allows film enthusiasts to explore the full scope of this year's awards landscape, from the historic achievements to the unexpected inclusions and exclusions that define the Oscars season.
